Individualized interdisciplinary studies doctor of philosophy program is for students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree and their proposed course of studies is interdisciplinary in nature and cannot be pursued in any one existing program. The home department is normally the department of the proposed supervisor and will provide the applicant with a mailbox and access to other services and facilities normally available to students enrolled in graduate programs in that department. Students, together with their supervisors, will create a customized interdisciplinary program plan that reflects the individualized aspect of the program prior to admission.
Program Requirements
This program consists of course work, a comprehensive examination and a thesis for a minimum of 30 units.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program in 12 terms.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
Burnaby Campus
8888 University Drive,
Burnaby,
British Columbia,
V5A 1S6, Canada
Applicants should have a completed master's degree in a field related to their intended home department.
English Language Requirements:
Internet-based TOEFL: 93 with minimum of 20 in each category
Paper-based TOEFL: 580 and TWE 5
IELTS (academic): overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section
CAEL: overall 70; minimum 60 in each section
Pearson Academic (PTE): overall 65; minimum 60 in all of their sections
Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced - minimum score of 193; C2 Proficiency - minimum score of 200
Duolingo English Test (DET): Provisionally through the Fall 2026 admission cycle - Duolingo English Test (DET) 130 overall with a minimum of 120 in each section.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
SFU has established itself as a leading research university over 60 years, consistently ranking in the top 1-2 percent of universities worldwide.
Help me Apply
